Head to Head

MPVs, or the Multi-Purpose Vehicles, are expected to deliver efficiency, effectivity and versatility especially that they would be carrying a group of seven. We have this week the Toyota Innova and the Mahindra Xylo to compare and contrast. Let's start off with the two MPVs' engine.

The Innova is a 2.8-liter D-4D engine that puts out 171 ps of power and 360 Nm of torque, while the Mahindra Xylo is a 2.2-liter M-Hawk turbodiesel that produces 120 ps of power and 280 Nm of torque.

For the suspension, it is worth noting that the Innova and Xylo have similar chassis and suspension set ups. Both use a body on frame construction, double wishbone suspension in the front and a live axle set up at the rear. The two are also rear wheel drive.

Safety-wise, the Xylo is equipped with dual front airbags, as well as Anti-lock brakes. Top-spec models add heat cooling for the brakes. In the Innova, it gets dual front airbags as well, plus knee airbags for the driver. Side and curtain airbags are reserved for the range-topping variant. Anti-lock brakes are standard across the line.

The two MPVs also don't run short on their infotainment system. The Innova comes with either a 2-DIN head unit or a touchscreen. All but the base model come with Bluetooth and USB ports. Standard in all is a CD Player, Aux-in, and MP3. The two top trim lines gain Navigation as well.

As for the Xylo, base models use a 1-DIN stereo with CD, USB and MP3. Meanwhile, top-spec variants get a 2-DIN sound system. CD, USB and MP3 compatibility is also present and gains an SD Card reader.

Let's now climb inside our featured MPVs. Inside the Mahinda Xylo, you will find that it is equipped with manual climate control, as well as extra air-conditioning vents for the second and third row occupants. Steering wheel mounted audio controls, as well as cruise control, is standard. It also comes with a vehicle information display that shows fuel economy, as well as fuel range. As for the rest of the interior, it is trimmed in beige with faux wood panels.

For the Innova, manual climate control is used for the entry-level models while the rest of the range gets automatic climate control. Rear occupants are cooled by a ceiling-mounted air-conditioning unit. Select variants also get a vehicle information display. Fabric seats are used for base and mid-spec trims while higher variants get leather.

Moving to their exteriors, the two have different ways of showcasing what an MPV should look like. The Innova features sweeping lines with a bold front fascia and a distinct hexagonal grill. Long wraparound headlights complete the look of the front. Moving to its side, it has a distinct character line that can be seen on the middle section of the MPV along with a pinched third-row window. The entire range sits on 16 inch alloy wheels except for the base model which come with 16 inch steel rims with wheel covers. At the rear is a reverse L tail light and is complemented by a rear tailgate spoiler.

In contrast with the Innova, the Xylo, sees a tall, upright design. At the front are large headlights and a slim six-slat grill. Black trim surrounds the bottom half of the car and all variants get stepboards as standard. Meanwhile, the tall windows further accent the Xylo's height. At the rear is a unique tailgate design the opens sidewards and at the corners are vertical tail lights.

These two MPVs almost come close to each other in comparison but thanks to their differences, each is unique in their own way. Whichever you prefer, trust that you've got the right choice.